That Certain Summer by Irene Hannon

About the Book
Karen and Val are family--yet they're anything but close. Karen has carried the burden of responsibility for her aging mother ever since her gorgeous sister left town years ago to pursue a career in theater. But Val had darker reasons for leaving town--as well as a secret to keep--and coming home has never been an option . . . until their mother suffers a stroke.
Reunited in their hometown, Karen and Val must grapple with their past mistakes, their relationship with each other, and their issues with a mother who is far from ideal. When a physical therapist raising his daughter alone and a handsome but hurting musician enter the picture, the summer takes on a whole new dimension. As their lives intersect and entwine, can each learn how to forgive, how to let go, and how to move on? And strengthened by the healing power of faith, might they also find the courage to love?

With her trademark compelling characters and heartwarming hope, fan favorite Irene Hannon offers her readers an inspiring true-to-life tale of complex family relationships, transgressions revealed and forgiven, and the complicated process of finding love.

My Thoughts
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book since I'm used to reading suspense from this author but I was sure it would still be a brilliantly written book, and I was right.
First off I have to say that it was a little eerie how much this book resembled circumstances in my life. From how much Karen and Val's mother was like mine to the fact that my sister has had concussions and experienced the same headaches like Scott, and several other things. Also many of the feelings and thoughts Karen experienced were so close to things I've thought or felt! So it was very surreal to read this book but beyond that it was just a great book!

It was amazing how much this author packed into this book that seemed shorter than the average novel. There were so many issues addressed and dealt with and it was really cool to watch it all unfold. I enjoyed all four of the main characters and I was impressed with the growth they experienced throughout this story.  There were lots of lessons to be learned and I definitely recommend this book!

Meet the Author

Irene Hannon is the best-selling author of more than 35 novels. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, the Reviewer's Choice Award from Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine and the Daphne du Maurier Award for mystery/suspense. Irene and her husband make their home in Missouri, USA. Irene invites you to visit her at her website, www.irenehannon.com